The Evils of Overgrazing: Pasture management class to be held in Tualco Valley

It can be tough raising livestock on grass in this part of the country.

If you aren’t careful, you can ruin land by overgrazing it. Overgrazing can weaken the grasses and other grazing plants that are already there, and damage the land itself, making it hard to rehabilitate the land.

Anyone who would like to learn more about how to protect land from overgrazing is invited to attend a workshop entitled “The Evils of Overgrazing,” to be held by Steve Fransen at the Qualco Energy Conference Center in the Tualco Valley this Thursday.

Fransen, who is Washington State University’s forage agronomist, will talk about how to recognize signs that land is being overgrazed, what the short-and long-term damage could be, how overgrazing impacts the environment, and how it can hurt livestock health.

Fransen will discuss how to know how many animals your land can support, and how to bring pastures back to full health. You can also learn how to set up a rotation system that works well for your land and situation.

Fransen has spent 30 years studying forage and crop quality, and has written extensively on grassland and pasture management. He is also the author of “Haymaking on the West Side,” a book on growing hay west of the Cascades.

He serves as a hay judge at fairs throughout the region, as well.

The event will take place Thursday, October 25, from 1:30 to 4 p.m. at Qualco Energy Conference Center, 18117 203rd St. S.E., Monroe (just off SR 203).

Seating is limited, and early registration is encouraged. Early bird registration is $20 per person through Oct, 24, or $30 per person payable at the door, but only if space is still available. Register online at www.brownpapertickets.com/event/285421.

You can also download the form at snohomish.wsu.edu/ag/workshops/EvilsofOvergrazing.pdf and mail it with your check. For registration information, contact Karie Christensen at (425) 357-6039 or email christensen4@wsu.edu.